The Drink of Summer: Ranch Water

June 12, 2022June 12, 2022 / theblindpig11

Summer has definitely arrived in Texas. We hit over 100 degrees yesterday and there is no sign that it will be cooling off before late September. Each summer we designate a drink of summer and this summer Ranch Water has chosen us. We know that it may seem like we are late to the party. Ranch Water is not a new drink; it’s been around since the 1960s. However, this light and refreshing combination of mineral water, lime and tequila create the perfect, simple combination for a summer that has been blazing hot right out of the gate.

There are many choices for over-the-counter Ranch Water, and if that floats your tube, then great for you. We prefer to make our own, and use some flavor combinations that add some variety to the beverage.

We make our Ranch Water with a few simple ingredients: Blanco tequila, squeeze of fresh lime juice from half a lime, top off with Topo Chico and a lime wheel for garnish (salt on the rim optional). You can throw these ingredients together and belly flopping into the pool in no time. Not only is Ranch Water simple and refreshing it is about 80 calories per serving, so you don’t need to worry about keeping your body bathing suit ready.

Ranch Water has a low flavor profile and Topo Chico has a variety of flavors, so you can get creative with different flavors and variations in your Ranch Water. Stick with the original Topo Chico or add more lime flavor with Twist of Lime. Add a splash of orange juice and top off with an orange or tangerine slice with a Twist of Tangerine. If you like the taste of grapefruit, you can use a Twist of Grapefruit for more sparkling refreshment. A sprig of mint or a few berries added to the glass make a colorful summer presentation.

Here is a list of some of our drinks of summer in the past. Try these out or let us know what drinks you think we should add to the list.

Summer of 2017 Skinny Agave Margarita

Summer of 2018 The Paloma

Summer of 2019 Strawberry Basil Margarita

Summer of 2020 Fernet Branca Collins

Summer of 2021 Carpano Botanic Spritz

If you are viewing this post via email, visit us at www.theblindpig.blog for a complete recipe for Ranch Water and other great recipes.

What is your drink for the summer of 2022? We would love to hear about it.

0 Shares

Good Bye Summer…

September 20, 2021 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

We have put this post off as long as we possibly can. We can’t ignore the date on the calendar any longer. It is September 19, friends, and you know what that means? It means that summer is racing to an end and fall is quickly approaching. Fall is a great season, but summer means more sunshine, frolicking at the beach, sunning by the pool and all of the great fresh fruits, berries and ingredients that are in season! This week we are giving you one more chance to make any of these great summer recipes. Here is a look back at some of our best!

Raspberry No-Churn Ice Cream

S’more Ice Cream Cake

Cake Batter Rum Ice Cream Bars

Strawberry Raspberry Pie

Blind Pig Mojitos

Borghetti Mudslide

Hatch Chile Paloma

Strawberry Mint Spritz

Which one is still on your list to try? Try it out and let us know how it goes.

Thank you summer! We will see you next year. 🙂

Disclaimer: Beverages on this site are meant for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not condone underage drinking. Drink responsibly.

Share5

5 Shares

Spiked Summer Lemonade

September 6, 2021 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

Happy Labor Day Weekend! We know we are posting a little late. We have been soaking up the last rays of summer and enjoying some free time. We’ve been a little lax on our posting recently. We know. Hopefully we will do much better in September than we did in August?

This week we wanted to share with you a great large batch recipe for weekends like this. We did not create this recipe. It was one that we ripped from the pages of a magazine years ago and unfortunately we are not sure which one. We liked the recipe for Spiked Summer Lemonade because most of the ingredients are probably in your kitchen or refrigerator right now. It is easy, tasty and fresh, and allows you time to concentrate on entertaining guests on your dock or patio instead of behind the bar serving everyone.

We made this recipe for a large gathering we had at our house a couple of weeks ago. The guests were arriving early so Rhonda was able to only get a few quick photos before she had to go into full hostess mode. The Spiked Lemonade was a hit, and many guests were surprised to find out that beer was one of the main ingredients.

Spiked Summer Lemonade is made from frozen berries, chilled light beer, lemonade concentrate, vodka and lemon and lime slices for garnish. First stir together the lemonade concentrate and vodka and chill for a day. The following day stir in fresh berries and beer. Then you are ready to serve! Yep, it’s that easy!

If you are viewing this post via email visit us at www.theblindpig.blog for a complete recipe for Spiked Summer Lemonade.

This is a great beverage for sipping on the dock or next to the pool with friends. Tryout it out the next time you need a quick large batch recipe. We know you will be pleased.

Disclaimer: All beverages on this site are meant for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not condone underage drinking. Drink responsibly.

Share2

2 Shares

Blind Pig Mojitos

August 15, 2021 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

Every summer we love to make a pitcher of yummy mojitos. We first shared our rum mojito recipe with you in our Zaya Rum Mojito post and last summer we introduced you to an Italian Mojito . We were looking through our stack of recipes and Rhonda realized that we have never shared our favorite mojito recipe on the blog.

We like Blind Pig Mojitos because a pitcher can be whipped up easily. Because the recipe calls for tequila over rum, these mojitos are a little lighter than the typical mojito recipes . Try out this refreshing twist on a summer classic and let us know what you think.

To make the Blind Pig Mojito you will need to make a cup of mint infused simple syrup. For the simple syrup boil a cup of water with 3/4 cups of sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and add in 1 cup of fresh mint sprigs to steep for 2 hours. Strain the simple syrup and it is ready to use.

Other ingredients that you need for this delightful libation are lemon-lime soft drink, fresh lime juice, blanco tequila, fresh mint sprigs and lime slices for garnish. If you like to lighten the calorie load, use a diet version of your favorite lemon-lime soda. You can also make your simple syrup with Stevia for a lo-cal version.

If you are viewing this post via email, visit us at www.theblindpig.blog for a complete recipe for the Blind Pig Mojito.

Like the mojito vibe for desserts and cocktails? Here are some other mojito inspired recipes on The Blind Pig Blog.

The refreshing combo of mint, lime and a little bit of carbonation is the perfect summer potion for chilling on a late summer day or evening.

Disclaimer: Beverages on this site are meant for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not condone underage drinking. Drink responsibly.

Share63

63 Shares

Hatch Chile Paloma

August 1, 2021 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

It’s hatch chile season, people! There are so many fun things about summer and one of those things is taking advantage of the the fresh fruits and vegetables as they come into their true seasons. Early summer is great for fresh berries. Midsummer is a delight for fresh corn, watermelon and peaches! Now we are in that sweet spot of the summer when hatch chiles are in full season. We capitalized on the hatch chiles back in September 2018 with our Hatch Tequila Chicken recipe, which we highly recommend. As a matter of fact, we have some marinating in our refrigerator right now! Yummo!

This summer we are introducing you to our hatch chile paloma. This recipe is based on our usual paloma recipe with just a little spice of fresh hatch chiles. It’s easy, tasty and fresh! The addition of the hatch chiles gives the paloma a little extra fire without overpowering the overall flavor of the cocktail.

The ingredients that you need for this spicy little cocktail are: tequila, grapefruit soda (we prefer Q sparkling grapefruit), fresh lime juice and a fresh hatch chile.

Add the lime juice and a couple of small slices of the hatch chile to a shaker and muddle well. Add tequila and ice and shake for about 20 seconds. Pour into a serving glass over ice. Top off with Q sparkling grapefruit. Add a couple of slices of hatch chile for garnish and enjoy!

If you are viewing this post via email, visit us at www.theblindpig.blog for a complete recipe for the Hatch Chile Paloma.

Looking for some other great cocktail recipes for the HOT days of summer? Here are a few to help you out.

Cucumber Margarita

Jalapeno Popper Margarita

Some Like It Hot- Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita

Seagram’s Spiked Watermelon Lemonade

Seagram’s Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade

Spiked Honey Watermelon Limeade

Salty Dog

Tequila Watermelon Fizz

Disclaimer: Drinks on this site are meant for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not condone underage drinking. Drink responsibly.

Share91

Pin1

92 Shares

Fresh Summer Cocktail

May 16, 2021 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

We know that we have been absent for a few weeks. We’ve had a variety of things going on and haven’t been able to post. You may know that Piglet #3 is a senior in high school and will be graduating at the end of this week. We’ve had several special events that pertain to the end of high school and the end of the school year that have diverted our attention from the blog. Since he’s our last piglet, we know that we can’t get these days back. Our Blind Pig readers are the best and understand our priorities.

To break our radio silence, we are sharing twist on one of our refreshing cocktails that we posted last summer on Father’s Day weekend. You may remember the Fernet Branca Collins with its zesty herbal flavor and light lemon fizz. If you live in the Dallas area, you can get a Fernet Collins at Northern Italia, Billy Can Can and Numero 28.

Our twist is a simple ingredient substitution where you substitute Branca Menta for Fernet Branca. The Branca Menta Collins is a little sweeter than the original recipe and has a yummy mint flavor. Both cocktails are delicious and very refreshing. Both are perfect summer sippers.

To mix up this refreshing drink you will need Branca Menta, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. Pop in a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of lemon for garnish and enjoy!

If you are viewing this post via email, visit us at www.theblindpig.blog for a complete recipe for the Branca Menta Collins.

Try out the Branca Menta Collins this week and let us know what you think!

Disclaimer: Beverages on this site are meant for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not condone underage drinking. Drink responsibly.

Share70

Pin2

72 Shares

Flower Power: Hibiscus Spritz

July 18, 2020 / theblindpig11 / 2 Comments

We feel like we are living in the tropics with the strong Texas heat and steamy humidity. As they say, “When you can’t beat them, join them.” The equatorial weather has inspired us to try using a tropical hibiscus in a few cocktails. The results surpassed our expectations, and they will for you too when you try out our Hibiscus Spritz.

We have been curious about making cocktails with this safe-to-drink tropical flower for a few years. However, we had never quite figured out how to get enough hibiscus blooms to get the job done. Rhonda always has a hibiscus plant or two on the patio, but plucking and gathering blooms all summer long didn’t seem like an efficient way to make the hibiscus syrup. After some research we realized you could purchase hibiscus blooms on the internet (The Spice House). We lucked out and found some at our local Sprout’s. Finding the blooms, which can also be called flor de Jamaica, is the most difficult part of this cocktail.

After you get the dried hibiscus blooms, you will need to make some hibiscus syrup. We used 4 cups of water, 1 cup of dried hibiscus blooms, 1 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat and add the blooms, sugar and lime juice. Simmer for 10 minutes. Allow to cool. Strain liquid into a container that can be covered and stored in the refrigerator. This will make about 4 cups of hibiscus syrup.

Place vodka, hibiscus syrup and lime juice into a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Top off with ginger ale. We always like to use diet so Craig can watch his waistline. Garnish with a lime wheel or use a hibiscus flower if you have one available. (See we told you that finding the hibiscus blooms was the hardest part!)

If you are viewing this post via email, visit us at www.theblindpig.blog for a full printable recipe for the Hibiscus Spritz.

This cocktail has a light, fruity flavor and a gorgeous, rich, red color. It is definitely going to be one of our easy go-to cocktails the next time we have guests on the patio. 🙂 Who knew the power of this potent flower could make such an impact?

Disclaimer: Beverages on this site are meant for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not condone underage drinking. Drink responsibly.

Share393

393 Shares

No Fuss Drinks for Hot Summer Days

July 11, 2020 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

Last week The Blind Pig Gang (plus a couple extras) spent a few days on the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. It was a much needed change of scenery and get away for all of us. This week in Texas it is predicted that we will hit over 100 degrees on the thermometer. When it is hot outside, no one wants to spend lots of time prepping a drink. You want something cool trickling down your throat and fast! To help you with your thirst on hot days, we have compiled a list of some of our favorite no fuss drinks.

No Fuss Drink #1: Borghetti Coke Float

This yummy drink has 3 basic ingredients. Caffe’ Borghetti, Coke and Vanilla Ice Cream. Mix them all together in your glass, sit back and enjoy summer like a kid.

No Fuss Drink #2: Cucumber Gin Spritz

Cucumber Gin Spritz

Cool as a cucumber did not become a popular saying for nothing. The cooling and refreshing flavor of cucumbers with a little spritz makes this beverage a very refreshing cocktail.

No Fuss Drink #3: Mint Highball

We shared this drink with you a few weeks ago. It’s made our list again with its two basic ingredients and minty flavor. What can be more refreshing than mint?

No Fuss Drink #4: Paloma

This Mexican cocktail, which is Rhonda’s go-to summer drink, had to make the list. Hey friends, Kroger now has Squirt soda, so you can make a Paloma even easier!

No Fuss Drink #5: Raspberry Mojito

Cubans knew what they were doing when they invented mojitos for hot, humid weather. Our fun twist on a traditional mojito has the light flavor of berries to help you cool your toes.

No Fuss Drink #6: Salty Dog

The Salty Dog is an easy candidate for this list. It has two basic ingredients with a cucumber for garnish. Mix some vodka with a little grapefruit soda, plop in a slice of cucumber and head for the pool.

No Fuss Drink #7: Tequila Watermelon Fizz

This easy refreshing drink is made with tequila, seltzer water and watermelon. It’s light, refreshing and doesn’t weigh you down in the summer heat.

Try one or try one each day of the week! So which drink are you going to cool off with first? We’d love to hear about it.

Disclaimer: Beverages on this site are meant for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not condone underage drinking. Drink responsibly.

Share21

21 Shares

Red, White and Blue Smash

July 3, 2020 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

Happy Fourth of July everyone!! This year it feels a little bit different than in year’s past, but it is still important to mark the birthday of our nation and celebrate the freedoms we all hold dear. To help you with the festivities, we are sharing the Red, White and Blue Smash. It is a delicious concoction of vodka, grapefruit and basil. If you are lighting your own fireworks or watching them virtually, this beverage will add to your 4th of July celebration!

Like most beverages on this site, we have stripped this drink down to the essentials. It is an easy, tasty and fresh drink to make no matter how your 4th Festivities take shape. To make the Red, White and Blue Smash, you will need premium vodka, grapefruit juice, (ruby red makes a redder drink), fresh basil, grapefruit soda, and fresh blue berries for garnish.

Place two basil leaves and vodka into a shaker. Muddle for about 15 seconds. Add grapefruit juice and ice. Shake for another 15 seconds. Pour mixture over ice into a rocks glass. Take another basil leaf and clap it between your hands. This helps to release the oils and aromas in the basil. Add the basil leaf to the rocks glass. Top off with grapefruit soda ( we used Q Drinks grapefruit soda). Garnish with fresh blueberries and another basil leaf.

If you are viewing this post via email, visit us at www.theblindpig.blog for a complete recipe for the Red, White and Blue Smash.

How are you celebrating your 4th of July Holiday this year? We wish you a safe and fun-filled weekend. May your sparklers sparkle brightly and your firecrackers not be duds!

Disclaimer: Beverages on this site are meant for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not condone underage drinking. Drink responsibly.

Share39

39 Shares

Celebrate Father’s Day with a Fernet Branca Collins

June 20, 2020 / theblindpig11 / 1 Comment

Looking for a cocktail to help dad feel special on his important day? The Fernet Branca Collins is a perfect cocktail to mix up for dad.

This new twist on the traditional Tom Collins replaces the gin with Fernet Branca. The herbal flavors of Fernet Branca paired with the citrus sweetness of lemon makes for a delicious summertime cocktail sipper for the patio or golf cart.

We’ve shared posts with you previously with Fernet Branca, such as, the La Branca, Fernet and Coke, and the Fernet Hot Toddy (one of Rhonda’s favs). You may remember that Fernet Branca is low in alcohol and high in flavor. Since Fernet Branca is one of Craig’s favorite amaros, we thought it was a perfect time to share the Fernet Branca Collins with you.

To make the Fernet Branca Collins you will need Fernet Branca, fresh squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda.

If you are viewing this post via email, visit us at www.theblindpig.blog for a printable version of our complete recipe.

Like most of our recipes, this is easy, tasty and fresh! Mix one up today for dad (or mom) and let us know what you think.

Cheers to our Blind Pig Dad, Craig, who we couldn’t imagine our world without! The piglets and I love you very much!